If I had to blame someone for my love of Irish music, Irish dance & storytelling (art of telling a good joke) – it’d be my friend Stephen.  I remember late nights in Landaff, New Hampshire listening to his dad, step-mom Donna, Trudy & Bob – Trudy & the Pioneers – singing & playing instruments ‘til midnight.  Sooooo much fun.  Talk about a favourite memory – folks, that’s a Top 10.

Stephen & his sister Sheila exposed me to Celtic Thunder – a Dublin-based group, which tours the U.S. annually (cousin Neil is in the band).  When I read Celtic, Keith Harkin would be soloing at the Rocky Mountain Irish Festival in Estes Park – HAD to get tickets.

Work early Saturday – my daily painting assignment done (2 more walls of green) – then drove an hour-half north to RMNP (Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park).  Mountain air & glacier snow: good for the head, good for the soul.  Beautiful sunny weather, busy day in the Park.

Back down the mountain, made my way to the Stanley Park Fairgrounds – home to Estes’ annual Rooftop Rodeo.  Not much of an actual Irish festival – this ain’t Boston – but couldn’t beat the view.  Sun set over the Rockies as dancers, violinists & vocalists took to the outdoor stage.  Unfortunately, my Celtic Thunder guy was a no show – replaced by an Elvis singer…yeah, kinda weird.

Nice diversion from painting & Home Improvements 🙂  Last local weekend before my sister’s visit next month – marathons in Charlevoix MI & Angel Fire NM in my immediate future.

traditional Irish dancing